COUNTY LIBRARIES

CITY LIBRARIES

COLLEGE LIBRARIES

Organization

The San Mateo County Library is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and comprised of the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside, and the unincorporated areas of the county.

The San Mateo County Library offers an array of library services. The 12 branches and bookmobile are a source of books, periodicals, newspapers and information in multiple languages. The libraries provide access to computers and the Internet, online databases, music, videos, business resources, and educational research. The website or “eBranch” provides access to a wealth of information and is accessible in each branch library or from a resident’s personal computer at home, work, or school.

The San Mateo County Library also responds to the informational, educational and cultural needs of the community by offering a broad range of programs for children, teens and adults including author readings, lectures, films, exhibits, dance and musical performances. Outreach services include book club readings provided to incarcerated youth, and programs offered in settings such as schools, low-income clinics and shelters. Educational programming includes homework help assistance, computer training, and literacy services for children, families and adults.

The city manager from each jurisdiction sits on the JPA Operations Committee which works closely with library administration in budget development and policy formation. The Operations Committee then makes recommendations to the governing Board to take action upon.